Excitement is building for this Monday when the local winners of an innovative art competition will be revealed.
The ‘Draw Red Hugh’ contest brought pupils from East Donegal and Spain together to creatively learn about the Irish Chieftain Red Hugh O’Donnell.
The competition involved primary schools in East Donegal, the birthplace of Red Hugh O’Donnell, as well as from schools in Simancas, where he died; Valladolid, where he is buried; and Zamora City, where he met King Philip III after the Irish defeat at the Battle of Kinsale.
The Donegal finale and a cross-cultural celebration will be held at Eclipse Cinema, Lifford on Monday, 12th May at 11:00am. The competition’s theme, “The Life of the Donegal Chieftain and National Hero Red Hugh O’Donnell,” pays tribute to a key figure in Irish history.
Red Hugh is renowned for his resistance against English rule in the late 16th century, his leadership during the Nine Years’ War, and his unwavering dedication to Irish independence.
Organised by The Red Hugh O’Donnell Association and The Hispano-Irish Association, the competition has engaged up to one thousand schoolchildren, strengthening cultural bonds between Ireland and Spain through art and education.
The Red Hugh O´Donnell Association say they are honoured to welcome the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Donegal, Councillor James Kavanagh, and the Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, Mr. John G. McLaughlin, to present awards to the talented young artists representing Donegal schools.
Similar award ceremonies are also being held in Spain to celebrate the Spanish participants.
The Red Hugh O´Donnell Association said: “This special event blends creativity, history, and international friendship.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the Valladolid Culture Council for their generous support of this competition and for their ongoing contributions over the past four years to the search for Chieftain O’Donnell’s remains, as well as to the annual reenactment of his funeral held each September in Valladolid.
“Gratitude is also due to Donegal County Council and Simancas Town Council, who are working together to officially “Twin” the town of Lifford, where O’Donnell was born, with Simancas, where he passed away. Special thanks as well to Eclipse Cinema, Lifford, and Donegal County Council for their generous sponsorship of this meaningful event and to the internationally renowned artist Séan ÓBrogan who adjudicated the Irish entries.”
